The accessibility for disabled people as a factor of development of public transport system in Lithuania

Abstract

The changes in attitude towards the social integration of the disabled persons have become evident on both a global and a European level. The aim of the Community action programme for accessible transport is to increase the usability of transport for persons with reduced mobility. Accessibility to public transport system and within transport means is based on European technical standards and the strategic documents of common policy. After integration of Lithuania into EU, the social integration policy has included the special means of equal possibilities for people with disabilities. Analysis of situation of the disabled people in Lithuania shows that the main weakness is not adapted infrastructure and communication system. Absence of the integrated and well-organized public passenger transport system is a key problem for people in the cities and rural territories. Lithuanian legal basis is created for regulation of physical environment adaptation for the needs of persons with disability. However the lack of special means of public transport, adaptation of work environment, public spaces, services objects infrastructure restricts the possibilities for them to participate in the community life and increases the social separation.